John H. Colle, Jr., President of Colle Towing Company, Inc., Pascagoula, Miss., announced that Signet Maritime Corporation has awarded a new-build contract to Colle Shipyard for construction of Signet Weatherly, a Robert Allan designed RAmparts 3200 105-ft x 38-ft by 17.7-ft ASD tug. The vessel will be built and classed to ABS Maltese Cross, AMS, Ocean Towing Service standards. She will be employed in Signet’s expanding US Gulf and overseas harbor, ship assist and ocean rig transport businesses.
J. Barry Snyder, President of Signet Maritime, stated “We chose Colle Shipbuilding for its quality engineering and shipbuilding work and previous construction of the Robert Allan design. We are very pleased to have cut steel and begun construction of this technologically advanced vessel. The raised forecastle and gentle sheer along with its MTU high performance engines and Niigata Z-drives give this tug a decided advantage for in–harbor assist and ocean towing. With her state of the art wheelhouse, advanced telemetry, communications and electronics, sophisticated electrical distribution system, highly advanced Markey electric hawser and double drum tow winches she will serve Signet’s rigorous multi-purpose rig-transport demands. She is designed for more than 60 Metric Tons Continuous Bollard Pull for intricate rig work and ocean towing and set up to bunk ten seamen.”
When delivered in Spring 2011, the ASD will be the seventh tractor added to Signet’s fleet to support international operations for vessel assist, escort, rig transport, ocean towing and deep offshore energy development. By popular vote among Signet employees, the name chosen for the new tug, M/V Signet Weatherly, was the 1962 winner of the Americas Cup. Snyder recounts, “During her races, she proved to be a staunch, tough competitor, and we will hold her namesake to no less a commitment. She will be a proud warrior, serving our customers well with a higher standard than ever before.”